The Golden State Warriors are a very successful team in the past decade, winning the NBA title 4 times. Their success is built by build on the efforts of a handful of players out of which Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have played a crucial role. There are together known as the “Splash Brothers“. However, these two are still with the franchise and are still the two best players on the team this season. They are currently the defending champions.
The Warriors drafted Klay Thomson as the 11th overall in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft. He is a crucial asset for the Warriors despite his injury problems. Klay is a 4x NBA champion with the Warriors and has no desire to leave the franchise. He is also a 5x NBA All-Star. With big performances, Klay has earned a name for himself and has quite a handful of nicknames.
Klay is referred to as “China Klay,” “Headband Klay,” “Game 6 Klay,” one of the “Splash Brothers,” and “Big Smokey.” Many are accustomed to knowing Klay with the first 4 monikers. However, not many are familiar with ‘Big Smokey.’ There is a history around as to why he is called that. Klay Thompson’s former teammate Andrew Bogut shared that Klay is called “Big Smokey” in the locker room.
How did Klay Thompson get the nickname ‘Big Smokey’?
Klay Thompson has a history of smoking pot (marijuana), and in his college days got arrested. Back in the day in 2011, Klay got himself arrested after scoring 22 points. His team Washington State Cougars won the game against USC in Pullman. Klay at 11 p.m. was found in his car alone when a police officer smelled marijuana. Initially, like any other person, Klay denied possessing marijuana. However, the police found 1.95 grams of marijuana. He was later arrested on charges including possession of marijuana. This caused him a suspension in the next game as well.
(2011) Klay Thompson drops 43 points his first game back from a marijuana suspension. pic.twitter.com/c4PPB6ZpN3
— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) September 17, 2017
This season in the NBA, Thompson is currently averaging the 2nd best in points per game on the team, behind Stephen Curry. The Warriors this season are barely keeping in with the playoff spots, in a heavily crowded Western Conference. Things are a little rough for the Warriors with the injuries faced by Curry and Thompson. However, the pair is a huge threat to any team on the offense.
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